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{{Major spoiler}} | {{Major spoiler}}<blockquote>''"The show is cancelled, the poster claims. Mahogany Hall - London's most notorious Music Hall and theatre - is closed tonight. You know better."''<ref name="going to theater">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Going_to_the_theatre|Going to the theatre|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Scrawl1.png|alt=A mysteries sigil.|thumb|[[The Correspondence|''Almost never remembered'']]]] | ||
''"The show is cancelled, the poster claims. Mahogany Hall - London's most notorious Music Hall and theatre - is closed tonight. You know better."''<ref name = "going to theater">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Going_to_the_theatre|Going to the theatre|Fallen London | '''''The Seventh Letter''''' is a scandalous and forbidden play that dramatizes the story of the [[Echo Bazaar]].__FORCETOC__ | ||
[[File:Scrawl1.png|alt=A mysteries sigil.|thumb|[[The Correspondence|''Almost never remembered'']]]] | |||
'''''The Seventh Letter''''' is a scandalous and forbidden play that dramatizes the story of the [[Echo Bazaar]]. | |||
== | == [CENSORED] == | ||
''"The Seventh Letter! They only show that in secret at Mahogany Hall! A production at the Panopticon? How does the Ministry of Public Decency permit it?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/To_see_the_play|To see the play|Fallen London|}}</ref> | <blockquote>''"The Seventh Letter! They only show that in secret at Mahogany Hall! A production at the Panopticon? How does the Ministry of Public Decency permit it?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/To_see_the_play|To see the play|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>''The Seventh Letter'' has been banned by the [[The Ministry of Public Decency|Ministry of Public Decency]],<ref name="watch play 1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while|Watch the play for a little while|Fallen London}}''"''The Seventh Letter ''has long been banned by the Ministry of Public Decency..."''</ref> so it is usually staged in secret; [[Mahogany Hall]] is known for putting on performances on days when the theater is announced to be closed.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Going_to_the_theatre|Going to the theatre|Fallen London|}} ''"Mahogany Hall - London's most notorious Music Hall and theatre - is closed tonight. You know better. You have two tickets to a secret performance of the forbidden Seventh Letter."''</ref> However, rumor has it that [[Mr Wines]] enjoys the play, and that it bribes the Ministry on occasion to permit public showings.<ref name="watch play 2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London}}''"''The Seventh Letter ''has long been banned by the Ministry of Public Decency: but the story goes that Mr Wines enjoys it, and bribes them to wink at the ban, now and then."''</ref> | ||
While the play's subject matter is esoteric, it is also notoriously emotionally charged. The performances of the play's tragic characters can move even the most dignified audience members to tears,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while|Watch the play for a little while|Fallen London|}} ''"This year, an unproven young actress [...] has taken the part of the Raven. Her rendition of the Hymn of the Shames sends a bankerly fellow fleeing from the auditorium in tears."''</ref> and certain scenes are so horrifying that the play has an intermission beforehand for faint-hearted audiences to take their leave.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while|Watch the play for a little while|Fallen London|}} ''"The last scene – with the Dragons – is not the only reason; but it's probably the biggest. There is a brief hiatus before that scene, to allow squeamish audience members to leave, and to darken the lights."''</ref> | |||
While the play's subject matter is esoteric, | |||
== In Summary== | == In Summary== | ||
''"They say only six letters of it should ever be written together. The seventh will doom all."''<ref name = "going to theater"/> | <blockquote>''"They say only six letters of it should ever be written together. The seventh will doom all."''<ref name="going to theater" /></blockquote>The following is a summary of all that is known of ''The Seventh Letter''. | ||
The following is a summary of all that is known of ''The Seventh Letter''. | |||
=== Night === | === Night === | ||
'' | <blockquote> | ||
''RAVEN: Truly my voice is sweeter than the song of the stone, the swan, the storm....''<br> | |||
''(Enter a MESSENGER beribboned with RAGS of CLOUD.)''<br> | |||
''RAVEN: (in haste) ...yet no sweeter than yours, great master. I acknowledge it so.''<br> | |||
''MESSENGER: O blackness, o blackness, wherefore should I sing? When all of my songs are seared on my skin?''<br> | |||
''(Exeunt.)''<ref name="ovate night">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Night|Order Ovate, Night|Fallen London}}</ref> | |||
</blockquote> | |||
[[File:Ravenblackskull.png|alt=A raven perched on a skull.|thumb|A raven?]] | [[File:Ravenblackskull.png|alt=A raven perched on a skull.|thumb|A raven?]] | ||
The actress playing the '''Raven''' is introduced. She sings her aria, the '''Hymn of Shames''', which contains the following lyrics: ''"The glowing-hearted mountain / the river in the sky / the near night and the deep night..."''<ref name = " | The actress playing the '''Raven''' is introduced. She sings her aria, the '''Hymn of Shames''', which contains the following lyrics: ''"The glowing-hearted mountain / the river in the sky / the near night and the deep night..."''<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while|Watch the play for a little while|Fallen London|}} ''"This year, an unproven young actress [...] has taken the part of the Raven. Her rendition of the Hymn of the Shames sends a bankerly fellow fleeing from the auditorium in tears. Millicent mouths the words along with her. "The glowing-hearted mountain / the river in the sky / the near night and the deep night...'"''</ref> | ||
The Raven comments that her song is superior to that of "the stone, the swan, the storm," but is interrupted by the arrival of the '''Messenger''', to whom she defers, and whom she addresses as "great master".<ref | The Raven comments that her song is superior to that of "the stone, the swan, the storm," but is interrupted by the arrival of the '''Messenger''', to whom she defers, and whom she addresses as "great master".<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Night|Order Ovate, Night|Fallen London|}} ''"RAVEN: Truly my voice is sweeter than the song of the stone, the swan, the storm... (Enter a MESSENGER beribboned with RAGS of CLOUD.) RAVEN: (in haste) ...yet no sweeter than yours, great master. I acknowledge it so."''</ref> The Messenger, played by multiple actors of multiple gender identities,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London}} ''"The Messenger is [...] always played by a man and a woman, alternately, scene by scene. In this performance, there are three actors, and you're not sure any of them are a man or a woman, precisely."''</ref> is dressed in "rags of cloud." They ask a question, into the darkness of the scene: why they should sing; when all of their songs are seared into their skin?<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Night|Order Ovate, Night|Fallen London|}} ''"MESSENGER: O blackness, o blackness, wherefore should I sing? When all of my songs are seared on my skin?"''</ref> | ||
=== Blood === | === Blood === | ||
'' | <blockquote> | ||
[[File:Master.png|alt=A hooded figure.|thumb|A [[Master]].]] | ''MESSENGER: What do you among my spires?''<br> | ||
The Messenger is beseeched by the '''Owls''', who have taken up shelter within the Messenger's spires.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London | ''OWLS: Why, great master, we watch. We wait. We eat.''<br> | ||
''MESSENGER: You watch and you wait and consume, you say. But is there not one who will make you his prey?''<br> | |||
''OWLS: ....pray, great master, preserve us. Let us hear his shriekings no more, and we will serve you always.''<br> | |||
''MESSENGER: Ah, were it only my unfettered choice. But I owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Blood|Order Ovate, Blood|Fallen London|}}</ref>'' | |||
</blockquote> | |||
[[File:Master.png|alt=A hooded figure.|thumb|A [[Master of the Bazaar]].]] | |||
The Messenger is beseeched by the '''Owls''', who have taken up shelter within the Messenger's spires.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London}} ''"The Messenger-actor who receives the flattery of the Owls, [...]"''</ref> The Messenger asks what the Owls are doing within its spires; they respond that "we watch. We wait. We eat."<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Blood|Order Ovate, Blood|Fallen London|}} ''"MESSENGER: What do you among my spires? OWLS: Why, great master, we watch. We wait. We eat."''</ref> The Messenger mentions that the Owls are on the run from a being known as the '''Hunter''';<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London|}} ''"The Messenger-actor who receives the flattery of the Owls, and warns the Hunter against greed..."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Blood|Order Ovate, Blood|Fallen London|}} ''"MESSENGER: You watch and you wait and consume, you say. But is there not one who will make you his prey?"''</ref> in response, the Owls beg for safety from the Hunter's wrath. However, the Messenger cannot simply do away with the Hunter, as they "owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Blood|Order Ovate, Blood|Fallen London|}} ''"OWLS: ....pray, great master, preserve us. Let us hear his shriekings no more, and we will serve you always. MESSENGER: Ah, were it only my unfettered choice. But I owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."''</ref> | |||
The Hunter later confronts the Messenger, and the Messenger warns him to hold back his greed. In response, the Hunter screams at the Messenger a "litany of solar insults."<ref | The Hunter later confronts the Messenger, and the Messenger warns him to hold back his greed. In response, the Hunter screams at the Messenger a "litany of solar insults."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London|}} ''"The Messenger-actor who receives the flattery of the Owls, and warns the Hunter against greed, is bald and burning-eyed [...] The Hunter begins his litany of solar insults [...]"''</ref> | ||
=== Ice === | === Ice === | ||
'' | <blockquote> | ||
''PHOENIX (to herself): I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all.''<br> | |||
''MESSENGER: What’s that? You have no more use for flame?''<br> | |||
''PHOENIX: Oho! A visitor!''<br> | |||
''MESSENGER: A pleasure. Will you guess my name?''<br> | |||
''PHOENIX: I know you. All we things of fire do. You are the ragged messenger who carries a troth from the Sun to -''<br> | |||
''MESSENGER: -name her not! Name her not, the b___h!''<br> | |||
''PHOENIX: Aren’t we touchy! I had no idea.''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Ice|Order Ovate, Ice|Fallen London}}</ref> | |||
</blockquote> | |||
[[File:Lyrebird firebird.png|alt=A flaming bird.|thumb|[[Whitsun#Lyrebird|The Unquenchable Firebird]]]] | [[File:Lyrebird firebird.png|alt=A flaming bird.|thumb|[[Whitsun#Lyrebird|The Unquenchable Firebird]]]] | ||
The '''Phoenix''', described as a "thing of fire",<ref | The '''Phoenix''', described as a "thing of fire",<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Ice|Order Ovate, Ice|Fallen London|}} ''"PHOENIX: I know you. All we things of fire do."''</ref> is introduced. She recites her famous soliloquy: ''"I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow, and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the soliloquy for which the part is so well-known - "I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow, and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all."''</ref> | ||
The Messenger then arrives abruptly, and asks the Phoenix what she is doing. The Phoenix responds by greeting them, and pointing out that the Messenger is the one carrying a troth from the Sun to another. The Messenger interrupts the Phoenix, and furiously demands that she does not speak the recipient's name.<ref name = " | The Messenger then arrives abruptly, and asks the Phoenix what she is doing. The Phoenix responds by greeting them, and pointing out that the Messenger is the one carrying a troth from the Sun to another. The Messenger interrupts the Phoenix, and furiously demands that she does not speak the recipient's name.<ref name=":2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Ice|Order Ovate, Ice|Fallen London|}} ''"PHOENIX: [...] You are the ragged messenger who carries a troth from the Sun to - MESSENGER: -name her not! Name her not, the b___h! PHOENIX: Aren’t we touchy! I had no idea."''</ref> | ||
Later, the Phoenix prepares to undergo her '''Last Immolation'''. During certain productions of the play, rather than undress before her dramatic Immolation as would be expected, the Phoenix's feathered robes burst into blue flame, and she crackles like ice in the process.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London | Later, the Phoenix prepares to undergo her '''Last Immolation'''. During certain productions of the play, rather than undress before her dramatic Immolation as would be expected, the Phoenix's feathered robes burst into blue flame, and she crackles like ice in the process.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the Phoenix usually disrobes to undergo her Last Immolation [...] the Phoenix does not disrobe - her feathered robe bursts into [...] blue flame [...] You could swear that [...] you hear her crack [...] like new-made ice."''</ref> | ||
=== Glory === | === Glory === | ||
'' | <blockquote> | ||
''MESSENGER: You, again.''<br> | |||
''DRAGON: Yes. I remain the servant of your master. As do you. He awaits you.''<br> | |||
''MESSENGER: Do not. I beg you, do not. He cannot yet hear what I have to say.''<br> | |||
''DRAGON: (carelessly) You have a little longer. Should this place fail, two remain. (Exit)''<br> | |||
''MESSENGER: Not yet enough. Not yet enough!<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Glory|Order Ovate, Glory|Fallen London}}</ref>'' | |||
</blockquote> | |||
[[File:Burrowerbelow.png|150px|alt=A reptilian eye with several pupils.|thumb|A [[Aeginae|Dragon's]] eye.]] | [[File:Burrowerbelow.png|150px|alt=A reptilian eye with several pupils.|thumb|A [[Aeginae|Dragon's]] eye.]] | ||
The Messenger is confronted by a '''Dragon''', another servant of the Messenger's superior. The Dragon reminds them that their superior still awaits the Messenger; in turn, the Messenger begs the Dragon for more time, as they are not yet ready to deliver their message | The Messenger is confronted by a '''Dragon''', another servant of the Messenger's superior. The Dragon reminds them that their superior still awaits the Messenger; in turn, the Messenger begs the Dragon for more time, as they are not yet ready to deliver their message.<ref name=":3">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Glory|Order Ovate, Glory|Fallen London|}} ''"MESSENGER: You, again. DRAGON: Yes. I remain the servant of your master. As do you. He awaits you. MESSENGER: Do not. I beg you, do not. He cannot yet hear what I have to say."''</ref> The Dragon indifferently responds by stating that the Messenger still has time remaining, and that "two remain" if "this place" fails, but the Messenger believes that this is not nearly enough.<ref name=":4">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Glory|Order Ovate, Glory|Fallen London|}} ''"DRAGON: (carelessly) You have a little longer. Should this place fail, two remain. [...] MESSENGER: Not yet enough. Not yet enough!"''</ref> | ||
'' | Later, seven Dragons capture and hold a tribunal for their prisoners: the Messenger, the '''Chained Sun''', and the '''Messenger's Daughter'''. The Dragons also kill the Hunter and '''Time''' itself. Two of the Dragons' mouths are covered in the '''Blood of the World''', and the Dragons drag their prisoners to the '''Wound in the World'''. The '''Seventh Dragon''' states the crimes of those accused: ''"Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"The Dragons [...] are seven in number. One carries Time gored on a horn. Another has the Hunter carelessly slung [...]. Two more [...] are daubed with red - 'The Blood of the World,' [...] They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] to [...] the Wound in the World, where the Chained Sun and the Messenger's Daughter wait. The Seventh Dragon recites the crimes of the Sun and the Messenger - Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."''</ref> | ||
'' | When the Seventh Dragon mentions the last crime, its fellows scream in an incalculable rage. The curtain then falls as the seven Dragons feast on their prisoners.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"The Seventh Dragon recites the crimes [...] When the Dragon says [...] 'Unlicensed Love', its fellows [...] rage [...] the Dragons cease their screaming and lunge forwards, to feed on their prisoners. The curtain falls [...]"''</ref> | ||
== Analytical Comments == | |||
''Editor's note: The following is a player-written analysis of the cast and story of the The Seventh Letter. Do note that this analysis is liable to change as the lore of'' Fallen London ''develops and evolves.'' | |||
'' | |||
The scenes of the ''The Seventh Letter'' do not appear to follow any chronological order, and the last scene appears to be a possible ending for the Messenger in the future. | The scenes of the ''The Seventh Letter'' do not appear to follow any chronological order, and the last scene appears to be a possible ending for the Messenger in the future. | ||
[[File:Bazaar2.png|alt=A spired building.|thumb|[[The Echo Bazaar]]]] | [[File:Bazaar2.png|alt=A spired building.|thumb|[[The Echo Bazaar]]]] | ||
The "Messenger" is the [[Echo Bazaar]]; the Messenger bears a message for the [[Sun]],<ref name = " | The "Messenger" is the [[Echo Bazaar]]; the Messenger bears a message for the [[Sun]],<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Aver_it|Aver it|Fallen London}} ''"[...] your employer soars towards the Judgement, its hide flaring with the message it carries."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Demand_an_explanation_(from_Mr._Cups)|Demand an explanation (from Mr. Cups)|Fallen London}} ''"The Bazaar's dream is a folly! Its message will be spurned, [...] Let it suffer, and let the sun suffer [...]"''</ref> and possesses the Bazaar's iconic spires.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Upgrade_your_guest_room_to_a_Spire-Emporium|Upgrade your guest room to a Spire-Emporium|Fallen London}}''"Is it true? That in rare circumstances, when bat-flights align, the most eminent of mortals may achieve rooms in the very Spires of the Bazaar?"''</ref> | ||
The | The "Owls" are the [[Masters of the Bazaar]]. They reside within the Messenger's spires,<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Carriage|Enter the Carriage|Fallen London}}''"It is said that every one of the Bazaar's spires has a story of its own. [...] There are no stairs beyond the door: only the great hollow shaft of the spire, stretching upwards to improbable heights. Hearts takes you under the arms. Membranous wings rip through its robes, and with a beat you are lifted aloft, borne to the highest chamber in the Bazaar."''</ref> and the Masters' species, the [[Curators]],<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/a-secret-about-the-masters|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games|}} ''"Firstly, that the Masters' kind are denizens of the High Wilderness. Their hunting-grounds lie in the dark span between the stars."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Declare_your_(Skeleton_Type)_a_completed_Curator|Declare your (Skeleton Type) a completed Curator|Fallen London}}''"And it will look as much like a Master as Mr Sacks."''</ref> have been compared to owls.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/No_map_knows_the_place_you_go|No map knows the place you go|Fallen London}}''"A Tree which lacks the Dual Nature is less. A Beast which lacks the Dual Nature is no less. This kind are not Trees, nor are they Beasts. Each Clutch has sometimes its Runt, who lacketh part of the Nature. Even the Runt has uses. Consider the Owl."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%22What_is_due%3F%22|"What is due?"|Fallen London}}''"Have you ever seen what owl-chicks do, when they begin to starve?"''</ref> | ||
The identity of the " | The identity of the "Hunter" is unconfirmed, but it is likely [[Mr Veils]]. Veils killed several other Curators during its time in the [[High Wilderness]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Day_of_the_Hunt|The Day of the Hunt|Fallen London}}''"[...] Veils the Curator has killed several other Curators [...]"''</ref> and is known to shriek as the Hunter does when acting as the [[Vake]].<ref name="ovate blood">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Blood|Order Ovate, Blood|Fallen London}}''"Let us hear his shriekings no more, and we will serve you always."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Anticipate|Anticipate|Fallen London}} ''"The Vake shrieks [...]"''</ref> | ||
The seven "Dragons" are [[Aeginae]], beings that feed on time<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies. | The identity of the "Phoenix" is unknown. [[File:Stalactite.png|alt=A stalactite.|thumb|[[Storm]]]]The seven "Dragons" are [[Aeginae]], beings that feed on time<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London|}} ''"One carries Time gored on a horn."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Aeginae|The Aeginae|Sunless Skies}}''"The Aeginae: Leviathans that dwell in the belly of the heavens. [...] It is said that the suns have an ancient pact with them. That they are watchful. That they eat time."''</ref> and are often referred to as dragons.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Aeginae#Story_description|The Aeginae|Sunless Skies}}''"This is one of the Aeginae. The star-dragons. The behemoth-mercenaries that the suns contract to enforce their laws. Before it, you are only a fleck."''</ref> The Dragon that warns the Messenger is [[Storm]]; Storm is an Aeginae who is known to have interacted with the Bazaar in the past.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Glory|Order Ovate, Glory|Fallen London|}} ''"MESSENGER: You, again. DRAGON: Yes. I remain the servant of your master. As do you. He awaits you. "''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Chelonate#The_Chelonate|Deliver Sphinxstone for Penstock|Sunless Sea}}''"THIS IS THE WORK OF STORM," intones the Bone Man. You blink. "FREEDOM IS HIS GIFT TO THE BAZAAR. AND THIS IS MY GIFT TO YOU."''</ref> | ||
The Dragon that warns the Messenger is [[Storm]]; Storm is an Aeginae who is known to have interacted with the Bazaar in the past. | |||
The aforementioned Dragon mentions a time limit that will expire if "this place" and the "two remaining" fail;<ref name = " | The aforementioned Dragon mentions a time limit that will expire if "this place" and the "two remaining" fail;<ref name=":4" /> this refers to the [[Fallen Cities]], as London is known to be the Fifth of these,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_other_cities|Look: an eye.|Fallen London}}''"The city around the Bazaar is called the Fifth City because, they say, it's not the first the Bazaar chose as a home."''</ref> and there are two further cities remaining<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bask_in_the_light_1|Bask in the light 1|Fallen London}}''"The first taught restraint and the second betrayed. The third taught us hunger: the fourth we remade. The fifth will live on in the heart of the Sun, and the sixth..."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_a_service_at_the_Chapel_(no._6)|Attend a service at the Chapel (no. 6)|Fallen London}}</ref> for the Bazaar to use in its mission to collect love stories to deliver to the Sun.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bask_in_the_last_remnants_of_the_light_1|Bask in the last remnants of the light 1|Fallen London}}''"These are my children and this is my light. These are my words in the merciful night. This is the Sun whose commands run below, and the Feast of it all is the way we must go. The One who denied is love's enemy but the enemy, love, is the last we shall see."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/To_the_garden|To the garden|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
The "Wound in the World" is the [[Avid Horizon]], | The "Wound in the World" is the [[Avid Horizon]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Conversation_on_the_Road|A Conversation on the Road|Fallen London}} ''"[...] I have grown [...] fond [...] of our new associate [...] Lowly origins notwithstanding." You know [...] that he gestures at you, and at the wound-in-the-world [...] behind you."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] to [...] the Wound in the World, [...]"''</ref> which has also been called a "wound in the sky."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Approach_the_Convocation|Approach the Convocation|Fallen London}}''"We have found a way: through a wound in the sky."''</ref> The "Blood of the World" is likely the result of the damage done by the Dragons to spacetime; similar effects can occur through the use of [[Red Science]] as seen in a crimson chamber of [[Frostfound]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"The Dragons [...] Two [...] are daubed with red - 'The Blood of the World,' [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Corridors_of_Frostfound#The_Cavity|Surrender to the traces of horror|Sunless Sea}}''"All living things are joined in the Chain: men and apes, bees and roses, messengers and stars. When the Red Science breaks it, even time is scarred. Now that scar has touched your spirit."''</ref> | ||
[[File:Mountainglow.png|alt=A glowing mountain.|thumb|[[The Mountain of Light]]]] | [[File:Mountainglow.png|alt=A glowing mountain.|thumb|[[The Mountain of Light]]]] | ||
The "Messenger's Daughter" is [[ | The "Messenger's Daughter" is the [[Mountain of Light]], also known as Stone, the daughter of the [[Bazaar]].<ref name=":5">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] where the Chained Sun and the Messenger's Daughter wait."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Adam's_Way#Adam.27s_Way|Go ashore with the Adventuress|Sunless Sea}}''"The Bazaar is the Mountain's mother, they say. Or her father. I don't understand how these things work. I wonder if she ever complains about her parents."''</ref> The "Chained Sun" is the [[Sun]], who in the play is presumably arrested by the Dragons for its experiments in the [[Neath]], including the existence of Stone herself.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%22..end_it,_as_I_swore_I_would.%22|"..end it, as I swore I would."|Fallen London}}''"We were meant to die. The brevity of our lives is what makes us human. Look at the torments and taints of the Neath. We will put an end to the Sun's experiment."''</ref> | ||
The identity of the "Raven" is unconfirmed, but based on the name and lyrics of the Raven's Hymn,<ref name = " | The identity of the "Raven" is unconfirmed, but based on the name and lyrics of the Raven's Hymn,<ref name=":0" /> she is likely one of the [[Shames]], the beings created by Stone who were considered aberrations by the [[Judgements]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''""Shames!" [...] "Mountain's get!""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Leviathan|Leviathan|Fallen London}} ''"The fossils [...] are all Shames," [...] "Evolutionary errors, or so the Judgements believe."''</ref> and forced to stay in the Neath.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Vespertine,_Irresistible|Order Vespertine, Irresistible|Fallen London}}''"THE PRESTER SAITH: [...] in the Garden were selected the Shames. [...] And should any seek to [...] uncover the Shames, they shall be given to the Wax-Wind."''</ref><ref name="lacre currency">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Propose_a_currency_infused_with_lacre|Propose a currency infused with lacre|Fallen London}}''"The Creditor misses the days when the Neath was new, when the Shames moved freely and the Judgements did not turn their attention this way."''</ref> As such, the scene depicting the Raven most likely takes place in the Neath, as the Shames were known to roam the Neath freely in ancient times.<ref name = "lacre currency"/> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{Scroll box|text = <references/>}} | {{Scroll box|text = <references/>}} | ||
[[Category:Other Things of Significance]] | [[Category:Other Things of Significance]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:38, 9 June 2025
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Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"The show is cancelled, the poster claims. Mahogany Hall - London's most notorious Music Hall and theatre - is closed tonight. You know better."[1]
The Seventh Letter is a scandalous and forbidden play that dramatizes the story of the Echo Bazaar.
[CENSORED][edit]
"The Seventh Letter! They only show that in secret at Mahogany Hall! A production at the Panopticon? How does the Ministry of Public Decency permit it?"[2]
The Seventh Letter has been banned by the Ministry of Public Decency,[3] so it is usually staged in secret; Mahogany Hall is known for putting on performances on days when the theater is announced to be closed.[4] However, rumor has it that Mr Wines enjoys the play, and that it bribes the Ministry on occasion to permit public showings.[5]
While the play's subject matter is esoteric, it is also notoriously emotionally charged. The performances of the play's tragic characters can move even the most dignified audience members to tears,[6] and certain scenes are so horrifying that the play has an intermission beforehand for faint-hearted audiences to take their leave.[7]
In Summary[edit]
"They say only six letters of it should ever be written together. The seventh will doom all."[1]
The following is a summary of all that is known of The Seventh Letter.
Night[edit]
RAVEN: Truly my voice is sweeter than the song of the stone, the swan, the storm....
(Enter a MESSENGER beribboned with RAGS of CLOUD.)
RAVEN: (in haste) ...yet no sweeter than yours, great master. I acknowledge it so.
MESSENGER: O blackness, o blackness, wherefore should I sing? When all of my songs are seared on my skin?
(Exeunt.)[8]
The actress playing the Raven is introduced. She sings her aria, the Hymn of Shames, which contains the following lyrics: "The glowing-hearted mountain / the river in the sky / the near night and the deep night..."[9]
The Raven comments that her song is superior to that of "the stone, the swan, the storm," but is interrupted by the arrival of the Messenger, to whom she defers, and whom she addresses as "great master".[10] The Messenger, played by multiple actors of multiple gender identities,[11] is dressed in "rags of cloud." They ask a question, into the darkness of the scene: why they should sing; when all of their songs are seared into their skin?[12]
Blood[edit]
MESSENGER: What do you among my spires?
OWLS: Why, great master, we watch. We wait. We eat.
MESSENGER: You watch and you wait and consume, you say. But is there not one who will make you his prey?
OWLS: ....pray, great master, preserve us. Let us hear his shriekings no more, and we will serve you always.
MESSENGER: Ah, were it only my unfettered choice. But I owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice.[13]
The Messenger is beseeched by the Owls, who have taken up shelter within the Messenger's spires.[14] The Messenger asks what the Owls are doing within its spires; they respond that "we watch. We wait. We eat."[15] The Messenger mentions that the Owls are on the run from a being known as the Hunter;[16][17] in response, the Owls beg for safety from the Hunter's wrath. However, the Messenger cannot simply do away with the Hunter, as they "owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."[18]
The Hunter later confronts the Messenger, and the Messenger warns him to hold back his greed. In response, the Hunter screams at the Messenger a "litany of solar insults."[19]
Ice[edit]
PHOENIX (to herself): I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all.
MESSENGER: What’s that? You have no more use for flame?
PHOENIX: Oho! A visitor!
MESSENGER: A pleasure. Will you guess my name?
PHOENIX: I know you. All we things of fire do. You are the ragged messenger who carries a troth from the Sun to -
MESSENGER: -name her not! Name her not, the b___h!
PHOENIX: Aren’t we touchy! I had no idea.[20]
The Phoenix, described as a "thing of fire",[21] is introduced. She recites her famous soliloquy: "I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow, and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all."[22]
The Messenger then arrives abruptly, and asks the Phoenix what she is doing. The Phoenix responds by greeting them, and pointing out that the Messenger is the one carrying a troth from the Sun to another. The Messenger interrupts the Phoenix, and furiously demands that she does not speak the recipient's name.[23]
Later, the Phoenix prepares to undergo her Last Immolation. During certain productions of the play, rather than undress before her dramatic Immolation as would be expected, the Phoenix's feathered robes burst into blue flame, and she crackles like ice in the process.[24]
Glory[edit]
MESSENGER: You, again.
DRAGON: Yes. I remain the servant of your master. As do you. He awaits you.
MESSENGER: Do not. I beg you, do not. He cannot yet hear what I have to say.
DRAGON: (carelessly) You have a little longer. Should this place fail, two remain. (Exit)
MESSENGER: Not yet enough. Not yet enough![25]
The Messenger is confronted by a Dragon, another servant of the Messenger's superior. The Dragon reminds them that their superior still awaits the Messenger; in turn, the Messenger begs the Dragon for more time, as they are not yet ready to deliver their message.[26] The Dragon indifferently responds by stating that the Messenger still has time remaining, and that "two remain" if "this place" fails, but the Messenger believes that this is not nearly enough.[27]
Later, seven Dragons capture and hold a tribunal for their prisoners: the Messenger, the Chained Sun, and the Messenger's Daughter. The Dragons also kill the Hunter and Time itself. Two of the Dragons' mouths are covered in the Blood of the World, and the Dragons drag their prisoners to the Wound in the World. The Seventh Dragon states the crimes of those accused: "Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."[28]
When the Seventh Dragon mentions the last crime, its fellows scream in an incalculable rage. The curtain then falls as the seven Dragons feast on their prisoners.[29]
Analytical Comments[edit]
Editor's note: The following is a player-written analysis of the cast and story of the The Seventh Letter. Do note that this analysis is liable to change as the lore of Fallen London develops and evolves.
The scenes of the The Seventh Letter do not appear to follow any chronological order, and the last scene appears to be a possible ending for the Messenger in the future.
The "Messenger" is the Echo Bazaar; the Messenger bears a message for the Sun,[23][30][31] and possesses the Bazaar's iconic spires.[15][32]
The "Owls" are the Masters of the Bazaar. They reside within the Messenger's spires,[15][33] and the Masters' species, the Curators,[34][35] have been compared to owls.[36][37]
The identity of the "Hunter" is unconfirmed, but it is likely Mr Veils. Veils killed several other Curators during its time in the High Wilderness,[38] and is known to shriek as the Hunter does when acting as the Vake.[39][40]
The identity of the "Phoenix" is unknown.
The seven "Dragons" are Aeginae, beings that feed on time[41][42] and are often referred to as dragons.[43] The Dragon that warns the Messenger is Storm; Storm is an Aeginae who is known to have interacted with the Bazaar in the past.[44][45]
The aforementioned Dragon mentions a time limit that will expire if "this place" and the "two remaining" fail;[27] this refers to the Fallen Cities, as London is known to be the Fifth of these,[46] and there are two further cities remaining[47][48] for the Bazaar to use in its mission to collect love stories to deliver to the Sun.[26][49][50]
The "Wound in the World" is the Avid Horizon,[51][52] which has also been called a "wound in the sky."[53] The "Blood of the World" is likely the result of the damage done by the Dragons to spacetime; similar effects can occur through the use of Red Science as seen in a crimson chamber of Frostfound.[54][55]
The "Messenger's Daughter" is the Mountain of Light, also known as Stone, the daughter of the Bazaar.[56][57] The "Chained Sun" is the Sun, who in the play is presumably arrested by the Dragons for its experiments in the Neath, including the existence of Stone herself.[56][58]
The identity of the "Raven" is unconfirmed, but based on the name and lyrics of the Raven's Hymn,[9] she is likely one of the Shames, the beings created by Stone who were considered aberrations by the Judgements[59][60] and forced to stay in the Neath.[61][62] As such, the scene depicting the Raven most likely takes place in the Neath, as the Shames were known to roam the Neath freely in ancient times.[62]
References[edit]
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